%20me.png)
At its best, anxiety is a very useful method for humans to identify the presence of danger. In a world of overstimulation, it can become difficult to differentiate between real and perceived threats — especially for those who have experienced fear. We can get stuck in a state of high alert as our minds and bodies set off ongoing alarms to warn us.
Unless we address such patterns, we run the risk of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety-related issues are the most common of all mental health conditions, and they can be related to what we deem to be chaos.
What is Meant By “Chaos”?
Chaos is not a clinical term within the realm of psychology. However, at the same time, it is widely recognized as a factor in many forms of mental distress. While the word can have a wide variety of meanings, for our purposes, it’s meant to designate the presence of disorder and stress. When someone’s life feels as if it’s out of control, they may describe it as chaotic. It’s hard to know where to turn or what to do. Therefore, chaos typically has a negative connotation.
From a psychological perspective, peace would be the opposite of chaos. Thus, moving toward a state of peace is the goal — a goal that can be attained via therapy and self-help.
What Might Cause Anxiety When Facing Chaos?
Every person has their own distinct needs and threshold. That said, there are numerous commonalities as to what most perceive as stressful and chaotic. For example:
Times of uncertainty
Loss of loved one via death, divorce, incarceration, and more
Job changes of any kind
Relocating
Relationship problems
Financial issues
Bullying or harassment
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by life
Loneliness
Unhealthy eating and drinking choices
Feeling anxious around other people
Chronic health concerns
Fixating and obsessing over the perceived state of the world
Traumatic experiences like abuse, neglect, natural disasters, and more
Having a negative inner critic
Even circumstances or milestones that society deems as positive - such as moving in with someone, having a baby, returning to school for a graduate degree - these too can activate a stress response. Change is change, which can lead to an escalation of anxiety that begins to feel like chaos.
What can you do when you begin feeling like you are in a perpetual state of fight-or-flight?
How to Manage Anxiety and Find Peace in the Midst of Chaos
For the sake of clarity, keep in mind that we’re not talking about inevitable stretches when you feel nervous and worried for a specific reason. Chaotic anxiety is part of the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.
To manage chaos-induced anxiety requires acceptance, self-education, self-care, and a reframing of your perspectives.
Acceptance and Self-Education: Most people struggle with anxiety at some point in their lifetime. It’s ideal if you can accept its presence and focus on being curious about its role.
Prioritize Yourself: Self-care is a fundamental way to build resilience so that as the challenges come your way, you are able to return to a place of calm with more ease. Self-care is specific to you, and it may include regular sleep patterns, daily exercise, nutrient-dense food choices, resisting the urge to self-isolate, and practicing relaxation and grounding techniques, such as meditation, journaling, yoga, breathing exercises, and more.
Finding Purpose and Meaning: Connecting with something bigger than you can serve as a powerful stress reliever. This could take the form of a spiritual practice and/or a reevaluation of what gives you a feeling of purpose and fulfillment. It’s hard to feel ruled by chaos when you’re rooted in your community and your life's mission.
Taking That Big First Step
If you feel your life is full of chaos or you experience that internal frenetic energy of anxiety, it can take a toll on your life and drain your life-energy battery quickly. Knowing how to return to a place of calm - and at minimum feel slightly bigger than the anxiety and the chaos - is key to living a life of harmony and balance. The path to peace often involves working with a therapist who can provide support and guidance. To find out more about anxiety therapy or to schedule your first session today, please call or text 317-747-0574 or visit our contact page.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional psychological care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.